Superior Theatrical Cuts/Inferior Director's Cuts

[PatD]

I'm sure a thread like this has been done umpteen times, but in the unlikely case that it hasn't, here's my two cents on theatrical cuts that are superior/director's cuts that are inferior (BESIDES a certain famous SF trilogy that got mutilated to crap back in '97...) Here are my picks--

Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Why couldn't the otherwise great Robert Wise learn from The Plaid-Shirted One Or maybe he did ($$$). But still is it too much to ask for the other two versions on a third disc or a separate release? It's not a stretch of the imagination that Trekkies double-dip!!!

The Blues Brothers
The biggest argument NEVER, EVER putting back in originally excised footage to a film. TBB is one of the most perfectly timed and edited comedies in the history of cinema. It does not, repeat does NOT, need an unfunny scene explaining explaining where Elwood got the glue he uses near the end of the movie (plus it shows him without his sunglasses, which is simply not allowed). And I like John Lee Hooker as much as the next guy, but his and other performers extended scenes take up too much time and interrupt the flow of the film. I was just tickled that they included the original cut in the 25th Anniversary DVD--so I'm not too miffed.

Superman II
I didn't find *that* much wrong with the Lester version of SII (aside from some stupid SIII-like "comedy" scenes). The much anticipated Richard Donner Cut, was just WRONG. Now, in fairness, it realistically couldn't be exactly what he wanted, but nonetheless, if it was any anything like what was released to years ago, then I need to give Richard Lester a laurel and hearty handshake.
The scenes with Superman and Jor-El have atrocious dialogue and Supes acts like a spoiled child when being refused by his father. And lastly, they took out "General, would you care to step outside?" before the big fight in Metropolis--I've lost all faith in humanity at this point. I could go on and on, here.

Amadeus
Bad, Milos Forman! Bad! The original cut is a masterpiece--the multitude of Oscars might be a clue! Here, once again, we get pointless scenes added and even a few scenes taken out--including Salieri's smile at the end of the "Now We Are Enemies" sequence. What really grinds my gears is that the original version will not be included in the upcoming Blu-Ray release (though I don't own one, but still...) and there will apparently be no 25th Anniversary DVD that will include it. In fact, the only way to get the original version on DVD is to buy the 1997 release that one a crappy flipper disc that has the movie split in half over two sides like a laserdisc.

JFK
It's not an awful director's cut, but Oliver Stone kind of messed up by adding a scene mentioning Clay Shaw, *before* Clay Shaw is introduced in the film. And while it's always nice to see John Larroquette, his scene wasn't that important to the overall film. Apparently, the 4th DVD release of this film classic, will still not have the theatrical cut. Phooey!

Dark City
All Alex Proyas had to do was excise the studio imposed opening narration and the film would be nearly flawless. Unfortunately he didn't stop there. The new version is padded with new scenes that add nothing to the story, new FX that stick out like a CGI dewback in a 1970's film, and an incredibly sluggish pacing. To all DC fans, stick with the original--just mute the beginning until Dr. Schrieber pulls out his stop watch.

Agree? Disagree? What would you add to the list?

[mndtrp]

I imagine Donnie Darko will get some votes, although I haven't seen the Director's Cut yet.

[excom101]

The 40-Year-Old Virgin- The director's cut is bloated, the pacing is off, and, as a result, it feels overlong. I was SO disappointed when I sat my brothers down to show them this film only to discover it wasn't as funny as when I'd seen it in the theaters.

Sadly, the theatrical cut is only available on a pan & scan DVD.

[toddly6666]

I thought both versions of Dark City and Superman 2 are equally good...

But I have to agree, the Unrated Cut of 40 Year Old Virgin was just awful, throwing off everything. I was so happy when they released the theatrical R-rated version...

[Zen Peckinpah]

The 40-Year-Old Virgin- The director's cut is bloated, the pacing is off, and, as a result, it feels overlong. I was SO disappointed when I sat my brothers down to show them this film only to discover it wasn't as funny as when I'd seen it in the theaters.

Sadly, the theatrical cut is only available on a pan & scan DVD.

It's on the new Blu-ray AFAIK and might be available on DVD in 16:9.

I'll add Blade Runner. Not that I'd disagree with a darker tone, but the director's cut really reduces the intention of its "future noir" atmosphere. I still haven't watched the Final Cut, but honestly, the theatrical is the way to go, and when I've shown it to friends I always start with the that.

[RichC2]

Dark City's Directors Cut was fantastic :up: felt like a different movie, the pacing was great, the additions were well suited.

Blade Runner: Final Cut (The real director's cut) was the best of the cuts.

[ScissorPuppy]

I loved the Dark City Directors cut, except for the remix of the music, alot of it was too low. It didn't have that bombastic sound anymore

[Rocks Off]

Apocalypse Now.

[SomethingMore]

Aliens

except the scene with the sentry-bots (or whatever... I don't remember what they called them)

[E. Honda]

Mallrats

I always felt the theatrical release had something missing. It all comes down the the pressure the studio put on Kevin Smith to meet their demographic targets. The Director's cut on the DVD feels much more like his other films. The editing and storylines are much more in line with the Askewniverse.
A dramatic improvement IMO, although my opinion here is biased as I have a huge mancrush on Kevin Smith.

:blush:

[eedoon]

that 4 hour version of Dances With Wolves really is a borefest (in contrast of the theatrical version).

[Indy Jones Fan]

I imagine Donnie Darko will get some votes, although I haven't seen the Director's Cut yet.

I hated the director's cut. It took away the surreal dream-like feeling of the movie.

[BobSchlapowitz]

The original Star Wars trilogy.

[wendersfan]

<b>The Gold Rush</b>

Hate the narration.

[Jay G.]

The 40-Year-Old Virgin- The director's cut is bloated, the pacing is off, and, as a result, it feels overlong.
The Unrated Cut of 40-Year-Old Virgin is not a Director's Cut. It's simply a longer cut made for home video.

Sadly, the theatrical cut is only available on a pan & scan DVD.
Universal quietly released the theatrical cut in WS on DVD about a month after the original releases. Most B&M stores don't carry it, but it's available from online retailers like Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/40-Year-Old-Virgin-Rated-Widescreen/dp/B000E6V07M/

Also, as Zen Peckinpah mentioned, the Blu-Ray contains both Unrated and Theatrical cuts

[Jay G.]

Mallrats

I always felt the theatrical release had something missing... The Director's cut on the DVD feels much more like his other films.
Congratulations on entirely missing the point of this thread.

[chuckd21]

The theatrical cut of JFK is far superior to the director's cut. Garrison flat out physically predicting the RFK assassination details is a very stupid scene, in addition to the ones mentioned earlier in this thread.

The unrated Anchorman cut makes some changes to the original cut that aren't as funny.

[matome]

A couple where the theatrical version was better than the director's cut, Pretty Woman & Dumb & Dumber. Very annoying that I had to import Pretty Woman from the UK for the anamorphic theatrical cut even after two U.S. re-releases.

[Sanjuro37]

Mallrats
A dramatic improvement IMO, although my opinion here is biased as I have a huge mancrush on Kevin Smith.

A) You're doing it wrong.
B) The extended cut of Mallrats is downright terrible. There isn't a laugh for the first thirty minutes.

And Dark City's and Aliens' DCs were far better.

Inferior cuts:

Gladiator Extended

Alien "Director's Cut"- Scott admits the theatrical version is his cut and he just recut the fim because Fox told him to

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story- All the added footage is just more repeats of jokes already repeated in the normal version.

[toddly6666]

A couple where the theatrical version was better than the director's cut, Pretty Woman & Dumb & Dumber. Very annoying that I had to import Pretty Woman from the UK for the anamorphic theatrical cut even after two U.S. re-releases.

What are you doing with either DVD version of Pretty Woman anyway?

[SomethingMore]

Not a "director's cut" per se, but Empire Records. I own both versions on DVD (the theatrical cut is discontinued in the US/Canada, I believe), but can't bring myself to watch the "Fan Remix Edition" ever again.

edit: Oh, and Terminator 2 (again, not a "Director's Cut", but there's two "extended" versions, and I hate them both)

[megashock5]

I thought the director's cut of <b>The Abyss</b> did a pretty good job of flushing out the story more.

[Mondo Kane]

Cinema Paradiso-I perfer the shorter U.S. version. I can relate to not knowing whatever happened to your "love of a lifetime".

[devilshalo]

I thought the director's cut of <b>The Abyss</b> did a pretty good job of flushing out the story more.

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/1680/missedtargetge7.jpg

[iamiam]

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/1680/missedtargetge7.jpg
You made me spit :blush:

[keyed]

Aliens SE: The Newt family scene removes some suspense and surprise from later scenes with Newt and Burke. The sentry guns felt unneeded, making it seem like they were completely dependent them instead of their other efforts to barricade medical.

Star Trek II DC: The added scenes just threw the pacing off, slowing it down too much.

[Sean O'Hara]

Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Why couldn't the otherwise great Robert Wise learn from The Plaid-Shirted One Or maybe he did ($$$). But still is it too much to ask for the other two versions on a third disc or a separate release? It's not a stretch of the imagination that Trekkies double-dip!!!


What are you people, on dope? The theatrical version was a glorified rough cut with scenes that went on forever. The VHS version just added more scenes that went on forever. The director's cut is the only one that's been polished to the point of being watchable.

[Sean O'Hara]

Donnie Darko is the worst -- Kelly's version completely destroys the Lynchian vibe that made the film worth watching multiple times. That was the first sign that he wasn't the wunderkind initially believed.

[devilshalo]

While it is not the Director's Cut.. the extended cut of Talladega Nights isn't as funny as the original theatrical cut.

[awil1026]

The 40-Year-Old Virgin- The director's cut is bloated, the pacing is off, and, as a result, it feels overlong. I was SO disappointed when I sat my brothers down to show them this film only to discover it wasn't as funny as when I'd seen it in the theaters.

Sadly, the theatrical cut is only available on a pan & scan DVD.

The theatrical cut is available on the blu-ray (which I have). The added material DEFINITELY hurt the film!

[GoldenJCJ]

I saw Superman II mentioned so I'll add Superman: The Movie. I'm not sure if it was a "Director's Cut" or just an extended cut but the added scenes really make the movie drag. Yeah, it was kind of cool to see Superman frozen in ice but it was completely pointless.


I'll second Apocalypse Now The Redux version just never ends. Hell, the plantation scene alone seemed like 45 minutes!

[nmr1723]

The original Star Wars trilogy.

Amen...

[Spring Roll]

Daredevil
The director's cut felt long and the subplot with Coolio should've been left out.

[PatD]

What are you people, on dope? The theatrical version was a glorified rough cut with scenes that went on forever. The VHS version just added more scenes that went on forever. The director's cut is the only one that's been polished to the point of being watchable.

Also, poor CGI SFX that stick out like a sore thumb on a Vulcan hand salute.

[MaxMFP]

Also, poor CGI SFX that stick out like a sore thumb on a Vulcan hand salute.

Do people just instinctly say "CGI" whenever they mention effects-work they don't like without even noticing it?

[dvdhook]

I like the theatrical cut of Payback better than the director's cut. Although the ending is kind of silly in the theatrical cut, I think it's more satisfying than the way the director ended it.

[PopcornTreeCt]

Ridley Scott:
Legend
Gladiator

[droidguy1119]

I guess I'll be the only one to defend the Blues Brothers Extended Edition. I have only ever seen the movie in that form and, much like those who loathe the EE, I don't think I would be able to watch it another way.

I'll also say that I like some of the Darko DC, especially the scene where Katharine Ross reveals Donnie's medicine is merely placebos.

I agree with 40-Year-Old Virgin. I wanted GOOD new material, not one of the Indian dudes yelling at Paul Rudd for no reason or comic worth trying to take a smoke break in the middle of a scene. WTF?

I prefer all of James Cameron's theatrical cuts to his Director's Cuts. I usually only find one or two key scenes in his DCs to be relevant -- when I see the TC of T2, I do miss the "glitching" scenes and the part where they take the chip out of Arnold's head, but the rest is less important to me.

[Giles]

Ridley Scott:
Legend
Gladiator

regarding Legend, I thought the European cut was much better than the US theatrical version.

[RocShemp]

Tropic Thunder. Although some of it’s funny, the added footage is mostly unnecessary padding and the bit where the joke of Alpa Chino’s name is practically explained (they even go as far as mentioning Dog Day Afternoon) ruins that gag completely. It’s so much funnier when no one questions his name and the audience is left to figure it out.

The director’s cut doesn’t ruin the movie but is clearly inferior to the theatrical cut. The only bit of extra footage I would have left in was the “I think all the good ones are taken” scene.

[hasslein]

The Exorcist, Star Trek II, Robocop, THX-1138, Army of Darkness, Dune, Star Wars & Battlefield Earth(yes, that's right) I prefer the theatrical cut.

[Giles]

The Exorcist, Star Trek II, Robocop, THX-1138, Army of Darkness, Dune, Star Wars & Battlefield Earth(yes, that's right) I prefer the theatrical cut.

so you prefer the MPAA nudered version -ohbfrank-

[hasslein]

The violence in the extended Robocop is just too much.

[Giles]

The violence in the extended Robocop is just too much.


the MPAA feels vindicated, Verhoeven gives you the finger ...

;)

[d2cheer]

While it is not the Director's Cut.. the extended cut of Talladega Nights isn't as funny as the original theatrical cut.


Agree with this one!

[Giles]

The 40-Year-Old Virgin- The director's cut is bloated, the pacing is off, and, as a result, it feels overlong. I was SO disappointed when I sat my brothers down to show them this film only to discover it wasn't as funny as when I'd seen it in the theaters.

Sadly, the theatrical cut is only available on a pan & scan DVD.

similarily, the longer cut of 'Knocked Up' seems to go on and on and on and on.... ugh!

[joeblow69]

I'm going to say, The Return of the King. I like the shorter version much more. I seem to remember a particularly bad moment in the extended version where our heroes get 10 tons of skeleton heads dropped on them. It just seemed silly, and out of place.

[Matthew Chmiel]

similarily, the longer cut of 'Knocked Up' seems to go on and on and on and on.... ugh!
Ironic, considering there's only one addition to the Unrated cut.

Out of all Apatow's "unrated" releases, the Knocked Up release is the only one I can tolerate as it's such a small, two-minute addition that doesn't throw the pace off.

Anchorman
Talladega Nights
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Superbad
Walk Hard
Drillbit Taylor
Forgetting Sarah Marshall

In each of those cases, I prefer the theatrical cut hands down.

[chris_sc77]

Anchorman
Talladega Nights
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Superbad
Walk Hard
Drillbit Taylor
Forgetting Sarah Marshall

In each of those cases, I prefer the theatrical cut hands down.

In easch of these cases I prefer the longer Directors Cut.
One directors cut I didnt care too much for was Payback: Straight Up. I liked the theatrical cut better.

[hasslein]

I forgot, Star Trek VI as well. Changing the identity of the sniper was just wrong....

[Abob Teff]

Donnie Darko is my major example ... while some of the scenes are helpful (the placebos), most harm the film by forcing us down one path -- the theatrical cut left the interpretation up to the viewer.

I'll have to throw in every one of the "modern slapsticks" -- basically anything from Jud Apatow or starring Will Ferrell. I cannot think of any one of these extended cuts that I enjoyed anywhere near as much as I had expected to. Superbad is the one that leaps to the front of that pack.